64 
CALIFORNIA ILLUSTRATED. 
in large herds, feeding on the marshes in summer, and on the 
plains during the rainy season, kept from the grain by ditches 
and embankments, with which the fields are surrounded. They 
receive no care from the proprietors, and consequently are shy, 
and taken only with the “ lasso.” ' These are made of raw hide, 
cut and platted like a whip-lash about fifty feet in length, and 
the size of the finger. It has a small loop or pully in one end, 
through which the other is passed and drawn up to a coil about 
five feet in diameter. The other end is then fastened to the 
pommel of the saddle; the rider taking the coil in his right hand 
coils the balance to the same size, and mounts. 
There are probably no better horsemen in the world, not ex¬ 
cepting the Cossacks, than the whites, half-breeds, and some of 
the Indians of California. It has been said, that their only 
homes are upon the backs of their horses, and nothing could 
possibly exceed the spirit and reckless daring displayed on an 
occasion like this. Their dresses are extremely picturesque. A 
high crowned hat with a black glazed covering, trimmed with 
a gold-lace band and bell-buttons ; a hunting shirt fastened at 
the waist by a blue or red sash, and a belt containing a brace of 
pistols, black velvet breeches, open at the side of the leg, the 
edges trimmed with bell-buttons, showing the white drawers 
underneath. Below the knee the leg is dressed in tanned skins, 
which are wound around and fastened with strings; a pair of boots 
with a pair of massive iron spurs, trimmed with heavy chains; 
the hind tree, as well as the pommel of the saddle, rises quite ab¬ 
ruptly, enabling one to retain his seat either at a rear or plunge 
of his horse; the pommel terminating in an eagle’s head, which 
prevents the lasso from slipping from the neck. The trimming 
of the saddle covers the entire back of the horse, the stirrups 
are of wood, made very large, with a leather covering in front, 
protecting the foot and leg from mud, brush, &c.; the bridle 
has a heavy iron bit and generally but one rein. 
Thus mounted, a party of fifteen or twenty will approach a 
herd of cattle, horses, or elk, as the case may be. As they ap¬ 
proach the herd takes fright, one snorts and starts, which is a 
signal for all, and they dash away. The horsemen, each select¬ 
ing his victim, now bear down upon them with the speed of 
lightning. The herd, now aware of their pursuit, redouble 
